ASEAN+3 Conference THAILAND 2024

The Initiative on Joint Collaboration among the ASEAN Consumers Organizations Plus Three Countries on Consumer Protection in the Digital Economy and Artificial Intelligence

In the current landscape of global trade, the rapid advancement of digital technology is reshaping traditional business practices. The emergence of online business transactions signifies a pivotal shift towards a digital economy where artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning play significant roles in shaping consumer experiences. AI has notably empowered businesses by enabling them to better understand consumer needs and preferences, thereby enhancing their ability to deliver personalized services.

However, the integration of AI into digital platforms has brought along a set of challenges, particularly in terms of consumer protection. Issues such as deceptive practices, dissemination of false information, infringement of personal rights, and monopolistic behavior by platform providers have raised concerns regarding consumer rights violations. Consequently, various countries have been compelled to formulate policies and regulations that strike a balance between fostering business innovation and safeguarding consumer interests. The overarching goal is to foster a secure digital ecosystem that promotes healthy competition while nurturing the growth of innovative solutions.

In 1997, the “ASEAN Plus Three” framework was introduced to enhance collaboration among member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the key nations including China, South Korea, and Japan. This partnership aimed to bolster sub-regional cooperation in East Asia and paved the way for the establishment of the East Asian Community. With a combined population exceeding one quarter of the world’s total population, this community places a strong emphasis on consumer behavior within digital platforms, given the escalating influence of the E-Commerce sector globally. As such, the articulation of cooperative guidelines among East Asian nations becomes imperative to defend and uphold consumer rights within the realm of E-Commerce and AI.

The Thailand Consumers Council, serving as the voice of the Thai consumers, was established in accordance with the Establishment of Consumers Organization Council Act, B.E.2562 (2019). Empowered with the mandate to safeguard and advocate for consumer rights across all domains in Thailand, the Council is spearheading a project “The Initiative on Joint Collaboration among the ASEAN Consumers Organizations Plus Three Countries on Consumer Protection in the Digital Economy and Artificial Intelligence“

As the first initiative, Thailand Consumers Council together with The Yayasan Lembaga Konsumen Indonesia (YLKI) and the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (FOMCA), the current coordinator of the ASEAN Consumer Alliance Center of 21 consumer associations in the ASEAN countries have jointly organized a two-day conference as a forum for knowledge sharing and exchanging views on important issues, challenges and solutions on consumer rights’ protection concerning digital economy and AI.

This initiative seeks to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange on consumer protection and AI among consumer organizations and private sector stakeholders in Thailand and across the “ASEAN Plus Three” countries. The focus idea is to strengthen cooperation on consumer protection and to promote responsible practices in the digital realm.